Letter X - Time Of The Gathering (1991)

It's the sort of metal opus that should've come out about 1988 - imagine a milder Dee Snider (Twisted Sister) on vocals and an almost straight forward, yet steely metal approach musically, and that's what Letter X are about. It's an endearing record that doesn't go for thrills but the songs are more than adequate, and at times weighty (check the title cut). Letter X are a German five-piece, fronted by the bolshy-voiced Martin Obermeier who is backed by the gtwin guitar attack Rudiger Fleck and Joachim Gassman. The band aren't afraid to inject a few keyboards but it doesn't water down the sound - the sultry 'Princess of the Dark' is still a meaty semi-ballad, Martin really was an overlooked metal voice, 'Leather On Leather' being my favourite track on the album wit its burning riff and solid drum assault. Letter X were pretty unknown at the time but it's one of those records that sums of the '80s, and if you can get your hands on it you'll be pleased with your purchase. I believe the band released another opus too entitled 'Born Into Darkness' which came out in 1992 - way out of time. Quality hair metal. 7/10